Bones is Back

Bones returned from the mid-season break this evening, to a pretty great new episode. I became pretty much obsessed with the show during the first part of this season, and netflixed the first season to catch up. I love that it's got all the usual crime drama trappings, but that it's really a character driven show. And the characters are great. I adore every single one of them.

Tonight's episode brought back the frequently featured serial killer, Howard Epps, and ended in his ultimate demise. I was totally feeding out of the writer's palm for the entire episode. First I really believed Cam might die, then I believed Zach was dead, then I believe Epps was actually going to attack Bones. I fell for all of their little tricks, which is just how it should be.

I'm not sure, however, how I feel about this whole Booth not being able to cope plot line. I mean we've heard the speech enough times, we know "there's a cost every time you take a life", but he was an Army Ranger sniper, and now he's and FBI agent. He's killed lots of people. Epps was a psycho and was after Brennan. I just don't think he'd be that torn up about killing him. Especially when Epps actually committed suicide and Booth didn't so much kill him as he was not able to save him.

I'm kind of glad the Cam and Booth arc is over. I'm looking forward to the Bones love interest that appears to be coming up next week. But I want more Angela and Hodgins time. They're finally together, so lets see some snuggling! I mean they're the most adorable couple ever, so why don't we ever get to see them being a couple. They talked a lot about there coupliness this week, but there was very little actual couple behavior other than Hodgins repeatedly saying "I should be with Angela" when a situation would arise that would make her upset.

But all in all it was a good episode, and I'm so glad they're back, since they took the longest break ever. Finally something to do with my Wednesday nights again.

Help McSweeney's

I just heard about the bankruptcy of Publishers Group West, a company that helps small presses distribute their books to stores all over the country, and the effect this is having on small presses. One of the presses affected by the whole mess is McSweeney's, publisher of The Believer, McSweeney's Quarterly Concern and numerous books, beloved by me and I'm sure countless others. They ave now been picked up by another distributor, but they are most likely going to loose 30% of their profits from October, November, and December, the most important months for small presses. You can read more on the McSweeney's website, or you can read this article from the San Fransisco Chronicle. While there is not all that much we can do, in order to help them out, we can buy books directly form their website. That way they receive the money immediately, hopefully helping them make it though this hard time if only a bit. So if you love small presses and specifically McSweeney's or you've been eyeing a McSweeney's book, order it from them website and help them out as much as you can.

Already Promising

Even though the first month of 2007 is just coming to a close, there have already been some great new albums released. I am thinking specifically of two albums that have become my favorite releases of '07 so far (although I guess at this point there's not THAT much competition). Those would be the new album from The Shins, Wincing the Night Away and the sophomore album from Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Some Loud Thunder.


Wincing the Night Away has been out technically for about a week now, although it was around for awhile before that. Due to my super special magical hook up who I will not mention be name, but will make clear I'm super grateful to, I've had the album for about a month now. I'm a big fan. I've heard some complaints from people who think it's too different. And there are ways in which it is different from their first two albums, but to me they're good ways. There are times when it seems less crisp. Some of it seems more beat driven. obviously I'm not very good at describing music. But it's different. At least some of it is. I feel like some songs seem like they would fit in just as well on older albums, especially Oh, Inverted World, but some of them would be out of place. Of the songs more typical of an older style for The Shins I would say my favorite is Australia. It has an up beat, can't-hold-still quality, matched with catchy vocals that embodies what I've always loved about The Shins. Of the tracks that are in a bit of a different vein than previous offerings I think Sea Legs is my favorite. It's got a more electronic sound and a stronger beat than some of their other stuff. But it still has those signature James Mercer vocals on top. Overall I think it's a great new album, and it's nice to know that the band is still developing.


Some Loud Thunder only came out yesterday, so I've not had nearly as much as a chance to listen to it. Believe it or not, I did do a few things other than listen to CYHSY in the last 34 hours (I downloaded the album at approximately 9 am yesterday). But I really like it already. A lot of it is more distorted sounding than their first album, but that's not something I'm opposed to. In fact, in the right context I love me some distortion. It's still got the typical Clap Your Hands Say Yeah vocals, and mostly the same character even if the sound is a little different. I don't have a favorite song yet, and I haven't gotten a really good sense of the album as a whole, so I don't have much more else to say. But I really like it already, and I only expect to like it more once I've had more time to listen.

There are a number of other albums already released this year that I've heard great things about, but haven't picked up yet. And there are a few releases I'm really anticipating coming up soon, especially the new Bloc Party album next week, and the second full length album form the Arcade Fire at the beginning of March. With all this in mind, it seems like a promising year for music. Hopefully 2007 will be able to live up to my expectations.

CW Tuesdays

Okay, so I'm trying something new, blogging about tv, while watching tv. Gilmore Girls just ended and now Veronica Mars is on. I have to admit this evening's episode of Gilmore was pretty much awful. I mean I really didn't think it was going to get worse than it already was, but that episode was just awful. I mean Sukie is pregnant again?? You have got to be kidding! And really Lorelai and Chris are breaking up already? Can you say contrived? Also, in case no one else noticed, they've already used the Richard has a heart attack plot line. It's just beginning to get ridiculous. If they keep it up much longer I might have to just stop watching. I mean they're ruining my favorite show. Although the teaser makes it look like there might be some moves towards Luke and Lorelai getting back together next week and that wouldn't be all bad. But then again, like I said last week, teasers, especially on the CW are kinda hard to rely on.

Speaking of, I mentioned last week that the scenes for Veronica Mars made it seem like Veronica and Logan had relationship problems already this week even though they just got back together last week. Specifically, the teaser played it off like Veronica finds out about the girl we know Logan was with while they broke up and she turns out to be a sex worker. While there' still half an hour left, and she still might find out about the girl, the "hooker" plot line is actually not related to Logan at all. It's in fact a case that Veronica take son for someone else. That annoys me to no end. Why do they make it looks like something TOTALLY different is going to happen. They could suggest what will occur in the episode without giving the whole thing away. They don't need to lie to their viewers.

I love that Veronica makes lewd jokes to her father all the time. If only my dad were as funny as Keith Mars. Not that I don't love my Dad, he's fantastic, but Keith Mars is hilarious. Although I can't say I'd be so thrilled about the super over protective thing. Okay fine, I can trade mostly reasonable for not scripted by a whole staff of writers funny.

Yay for the return of naked Logan and Veronica cuddling scenes! I think Jason Dhoring is adorable, so all those episodes where he was fully clothed the entire time were a bit of a hardship. Oooo it's the "have you ever done this really bad thing that I really don't want to know about but ask about anyway" talk. And they appear to survive! Therefore seemingly proving the teaser b.s., yet again. Although I suppose there are still 15 more minutes left. But Logan confesses to hooking up with that girl, talks about how much he regrets it and how awful she was and then asks "do you still love me?" and while Veronica pauses she answers yes and appears to really mean it.

Oh never mind. Veronica just found out that Logan hooked up with Meredith Sinclair. Which even we didn't know. Apparently they will be having relationship. And oh good thanks to the teaser, we now know Veronica is pregnant. So much for that hinting, but not giving away thing. She actually said "I'm pregnant" in the scenes. I do really love this show, but all the jerking around can be exhausting. Well I guess we will see what happens next week. I really am ready for Logan and Veronica to just be happy for more than three episodes in a row.

Okay now I'm taking votes on the whole realtime TV blogging thing. I have a feeling my TV blogging isn't most of your favorite posts to read, but I refuse to cease and desist entirely. But here's what you can do to influence it, please post a comment about whether this format is more or less annoying than the other TV related posts. Really I want feedback, so comment away!

Like Father Like Daughter or How I Grew Up To Be An Idiot

To all fellow Bush family haters out there, I bring you Rough Drafts of Jenna Bush's Young-Adult Novels.

In Need of Entertainment?

So Liz has now gotten me totally addicted to two web comics. I started reading Wapsi Square last spring, but forgot about it after graduation. I have caught myself up again and am back to being totally hooked. Its totally fun. Most of the main characters are girls. Monica is short, energetic and very outgoing (sound a little like anyone we know?). The best part is though, when I started reading form the beginning, I thought it was just a fun comic about some normal girls living in Minneapolis. Part way in all the mythical creatures, magic, and whatnot are introduced and I'm all score! For those of you who were weren't aware, I have not yet completely let go of most of my dork tendencies. In fact, I cling to them in secret. Or maybe not anymore. Anyway, if you like that kind of stuff and fun girliness, you're sure to love Wapsi Sqaure, so check it out.

My newer obsession, which she told me about last week is Questionable Content from others especially Steve and . I am now totally caught up on that as well. QC is a little more for the into irony and sarcasm about real (mostly) life set. Obviously I also appreciate this otherwise I wouldn't be totally addicted to it. It is incredibly funny, and really easy to get pulled into. It follows around Marten and his friends, most often his roommate Faye and his girlfriend Dora, with notable appearancesPintsize, his AnthroPC. The characters are really great. It's just lots of fun. So if you have some extra time to kill and in need of a new form of entertainment then check 'um out! I also recommend you start at the beginning even though it can take a long time to catch up, but it's much easier to follow and far easier to care about if you start from the first day. You can do this by pressing the "first" button on both of the sites. Enjoy!

Zaytinya

So Amy, Will and I went out to dinner tonight at Zaytinya in Penn Quarter. It's on the corner of 9th and G, right across from the MLK library and is pretty hard to miss, as it's a giant all glass restaurant with a large statue outside. They serve mezes which is like a Mediterranean version of tapas. It was super crowded so we waited for an hour, but the food was great and it was a fun atmosphere. Having a meal like tapas or mezes with friends is so much fun since everyone can share and try and bunch of different things. And it was all really good. We had some fried potatoes called Patates Tiganites Me Yaourti “Aglaia Kremezi” which came out looking much like french fries but tasted a lot better than your average fry. They lamb stuffed pita was delicious. The Kolokithokeftedes, fried zucchini and cheese patties, were to die for. The shrimp we had, Garides Saganaki, was awesome. I can't ever remember all the other things we tried but they were all wonderful. It was a very cool restaurant but not intimidatingly so. The stylish interior felt warm mostly due to the tea lights scattered all over, including one on each stair to the second level (a touch I adored). It was a very fun and delicious evening, and I would recommend it to anyone who wanted a nice to place to go for a meal with some good friends.

My Life

Hmmmm, this seems familiar.

hello! lucky valentines

hello! lucky has a really great series of letterpressed valentines with animals that I love. The octopus is my favorite.

Return of the Tube

So last night while watching new episodes of Gilmore Girls and Veronica Mars, I realized that now that all of my shows are back from the mid-season break and airing new episodes again (with the exceptions of Bones, which doesn't come back until next Wednesday, giving me a little free time tonight), my recent rash of reading and movie watching is sure to slow significantly. (I recognize that was a ridiculously long sentence and I apologize for that, but sometimes my thoughts go on and on and on). It also means something for all of you, the return of TV Talk, since my life is most likely going to revolve around television again. I'm sure you've all been waiting for this to come back (or maybe dreading is the word I was looking for), but since we all know this thing I've got going here is just a tad self indulgent, I'm afraid you'll have to bear with me.

As for the actual TV Talking, the 7th season of Gilmore is still seeming pretty lame, although I did actually laugh a couple of times last night which is at least an improvement from the last few episodes before Christmas. But I am pretty sure mostly I was laughing at Rory, which continues to prove my theory that the new writers still have not learned how to write Lorelai.

Veronica Mars was somehow both fulfilling and disappointing. Veronica and Logan got back together, which was exactly what I thought I wanted, but only after they made you really want to see what could happen with her and Piz. And in the teaser for next weeks episode it makes it look like V and Logan juts break up again. Although the CW (and the WB before them) is notorious for having totally misleading "scenes". I remember that time in the 4th season of Gilmore where the teaser made it look like Jess had raped Rory when that was not what happened at all in the actual episode. That is obnoxious. Why do they do that? Anywho, I guess we will have to wait and see what happens next week. But I'm stating now that if Veronica and Logan break up again AND they ruined things with Piz I will be very disappointed. As far as plot development goes, Piz was the entire reason for Veronica and Logan to break up in the first place, that and the whole star-crossed lovers thing they're trying to pull off. I can only take all the will they, won't they if there's a cute little rocker boy to distract us all from lack of Logan cuddling time.

As far as the return of NBC Mondays go, I thought Heroes was pretty uneventful, and am looking forward to when they ratchet up the action again. Studio 60 was entertaining enough, but I will cry if Danny and Jordan don't get together,and the whole taking back Matt and Harriet's kiss is lame.

And now for sitting through all that, a little something for your entertainment. I'd like to introduce you to WeeMe. I had to forgo eyewear in favor of the fur trapper hat, the two in combo just looked too weird. Enjoy!

tennis, anyone? valentines

I love the valetines from tennis, anyone? even more than the everyday cards I posted before. I think they are just hilariously funny.

I adore this card, and anyone who has seen my "reading is sexy" tee might have a good idea why.



I love their cards with song lyrics and illustrations, they're too funny.



I love the series of cards with couples and cute little phrases.



I also love that one of the cards in this series features a gay couple. Love is love friends, we should all get to express it on V-day.


So 3rd grade, in the best possible way.


And for those of you who aren't always so enthusiastic about February 14th...

Saturate Valentines

I know I mentioned before that I'm just crazy about Saturate. I think they have an especially lovable set of valentines.



I'm just crazy about this card. I suppose you could say it rocks my world. (When did I become such a cheeseball?)

Snow & Graham Valentines

Snow & Graham has a really gorgeous selection of valentines this year, which isn't surprising since they generally have really fabulous taste. Here are quite a few of my favorites.

It pretty much doesn't get any cuter than this goldfish card.



Because everyone loves to snuggle.




This is quite possibly my favorite.






I'm crazy about this pattern. I have their coasters in it and used some of the wrapping paper to make cards awhile back.




A little shout to Sarah for reminding me not to forget Snow & Graham for heart day.

Sidepony

So today I found Sidepony, a card company I had missed before. As you might have guessed by the name they have a little bit of an 80s flavor going on. They also have a pretty fantastic sense of humor. I'm starting with their valentines as part of my valentine project and then including other stuff as an extension of the big project.





I think this one is just hilarious.


Here are some of their everyday cards.



They have a whole series of paint by number cards, like this one, which is such a great idea.


There's a section on the Sidepony website entitled "calling all ladies". When I clicked on it I was thrilled to find a whole series of feminist themed cards.




I love the sewing machine thank you card.


They also have a whole series of cards for congratulating new parents. The section is called "new shorty" and I think this card is too funny.

Blog for Choice

Today, on the 34th anniversary of Roe v Wade, I have signed up to take part in blog for choice. This year's task is to discuss why you are pro-choice. I think many people have stories, or anecdotes about why they are pro-choice or when and how they became pro-choice, but I have kind of always been pro-choice. I know that sounds weird, since most people come to it in adolescence or as young adults, or maybe even later. But as soon as I found out what pro-choice was, I knew that it was something I had to be. I must have been about 11 or 12 when i found out about it. I had always had a deep belief in women as equals in society, and somehow from a very young age I had understood that unfortunately that was not always the case. In middle school that transitioned into my adopting feminist ideas and ideals. Obviously that didn't always play out very well since I was very young, but it was there always in the background. Once I found out about abortion, I knew that women could never be societal equals unless they had the power to control themselves, their lives and their bodies. I knew that legal abortion was a key factor in making that true, along will accessible birth control and many other things.

In retrospect it seems to weird to think about the fact that I knew all this at 12, but I did. And at 13 when it came time for me to get confirmed (I was raised Catholic), I didn't want to. I knew the Catholic Church didn't believe in abortion or homosexuality and that wasn't soemthing I was going to stand for. That was something I told the priest at my confirmation meeting. He told me I was going to be a better Catholic than my classmates, because I was thinking so hard about these things. He cleared me for confirmation, without ever listening to what I said. And I got confirmed against my will, because it was something I "had to do". But I never could square with the fact that Catholicism held such different things sacred than I did, and I wans't willing to let go of my beliefs.

It wasn't until much later that I found out some of the things that keep me so firmly pro-choice today. When I found out that women died before abortion was legal, that they killed themselves or were killed by back-alley doctors trying to end unwanted pregnancies, I knew even more strongly that legal abortion is essential to the lives and well being of women. I believe so strongly that is is incredibly important for abortion to be both legal and accessible, and that is a belief I will never let go of.

Sadly abortion is not a right that is completely secure. Howevere, I am always filled with joy when I come across people who work hard to protect Roe and to keep abortion accesible to all women. Today on the bus there was a poster that said "Myth: Abortion is only legal in the first three months of pregnancy. Fact: Abortion is legal throughout all nine months of pregnancy, for virtually any reason." Maybe it's not a coincidence that it was up on the 34th anniversary of Roe, but that I saw it for the first time today reminded me that that the fight for Choice is not over. We must all do our part to protect Choice now and in the future, so that all women will have the right to abortion that we have had.

More Valentines

I have some more valentines to share with you all. I know that I'm quite fond of the imagery in Valentines, but I seem to find an endless supply of cards I love. So there is sure to be plenty more after these as well.

This first card is from the shop of etsy seller tarahogan. I think it's very cute, and I love the play on words. And her shop is called Ink & Wit, which I think is a great name.




The lovebirds card is from ess & jae, an operation Micaela told me about after my big post the other day. They have a whole series of cards with illustrations on canvas. I think this one is absolutely precious. I just love it, and all the others are just as nice.


Here is a closeup of the illustration. So sweet.



Here are some fun cards from rockscissorpaper. The burning desire card has a great look to it.


Everyone loves owls right now and apparently they love us too!

The motel key card is a little raunchy, but in a fun way!


Here are a few cards from seraph, a press I forgot to include in my roundup. Those of you that know I have a bit of a morbid streak will understand just why I love this card.


And here is the inside. Which is fabulous, especially since I use that exact phrase all the time.


This card is simple, but I really like it.



And another simple but nice card from Seraph...

Unfortunately these cards from etsy seller jekbot, are sold out. But I have a bit of an obsession with sock monkeys, and I tend to enjoy saying lurve much more than love, so i had to include them as well. They are silly, but so much fun.